Total Hip Replacement Surgery at Wake Forest Baptist in North Carolina

Total hip replacement surgery reduces hip pain and stiffness and restores mobility. Patients who undergo traditional hip replacement surgery will not be able to return to high-impact activities, such as running, but they will enjoy daily tasks with less pain.

If you suffer from severe arthritis pain or a hip injury, your doctor can help you decide if total hip replacement is the best treatment to restore your quality of life and get you back on your feet again. Watch our video to learn more.

What Happens During Total Hip Replacement Surgery?

Total hip replacement involves replacing the hip joint’s cartilage and bone with implants.

Traditional hip replacement is an open surgery that requires an 8 to 10-inch incision close to the buttocks. This procedure utilizes the posterior approach to hip replacement. Your surgeon will create a new hip joint that moves smoothly with the following steps:

Detach your muscles from the “ball and socket” of the hip joint

Smooth out the hip socket and removes cartilage and any debris, such as damage to the bone from osteoarthritis

Secure a cup-shaped implant into the socket

Trim away the ball at the top of the leg bone and secure a metal stem inside the leg

Place a metal or ceramic ball at the top of the stem and a smooth, sturdy plastic, metal or ceramic piece inside the cup-shaped implant

What to Expect after Total Hip Replacement Surgery

When you wake up from surgery, you may have:

A catheter connected to your bladder, so you don't have to get out of bed to urinate

A compression pump or compression stocking on your leg to keep the blood circulating and help prevent blood clots

An IV to administer antibiotics for about a day after surgery

Medications to control pain

Medications to prevent blood clots (anticoagulants)

Most people go home a few days to a week after hip replacement surgery. Your doctor may want to see you for regular visits for several months or more to monitor your hip replacement.

Rehabilitation after Total Hip Replacement Surgery

You will work with a physical therapist during your hospital stay in North Carolina and learn how to use a walker, cane or crutches after total hip replacement surgery. You will continue with strengthening exercises at home. Some patients may need to go to a specialized rehab center for more treatment. Total rehab after surgery will take several months.

After you go home, your doctor may recommend:

Walking

Strength training exercises

Icing the operative area

You will be up and walking the day after hip surgery. Recovery varies from patient to patient, but most patients are walking unassisted within 2 to 8 weeks.

Living with a Total Hip Replacement

Most people have much less pain after total hip replacement surgery. While high-impact activities – such as running – will no longer be possible, you will be able to return to most daily activities. Here’s what you can expect:

You will regain range of motion in the hip

You will be able to walk without pain

You will be doing activities that you were previously unable to do with arthritis

Controlling your weight will help your new hip joint last longer. Learn more about Weight Management.

Disclaimer: The information on this website is for general informational purposes only and SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, evaluation or care from your physician or other qualified health care provider.